Let Them Get Fat

When I get away to Michigan to see my mom, the kids and grandkids, and some friends, it can be intense but a lot of fun. It's always been very important for me to stay in touch with family and friends. And the experience always rejuvenates me. For some, being away from home can be hectic. We easily use the excuse that because we are on vacation, we're too busy -- exercise and a good diet is no longer a priority. That's the last thing we have in mind when vacationing. Instead, we stay up late, sleep in, eat what we wouldn't dream of eating back home, have a few desserts. And why not? You're on vacation, right? But, if you think about it, that comfort food that always has that extra special taste, not only has a direct negative hit to our health, but also our waistline.

Some years ago, I talked to one of my friends, who at that time owned and operated one of the top ten restaurants in the United States. The topic was on nutrition and he said to me, "In our business, we don't cook for health, we cook for taste and that's how we sell food. People, in general, aren't looking for health or even thinking of it." Well, no wonder many come back from vacation with all that extra weight!

Below are some special tips while traveling to keep you healthy, stay in great shape, and even shed those unwanted pounds:

    Rise and shine at the same time and train for at least half an hour. This way, you can get your exercise done before your family gets on their program. And if you need extra hours of sleep, you can always grab a nap later in the day. Remember, you're on vacation!

    Eat in moderation. Rich foods, sweets and carbohydrates are all okay; however, take only a bite or two. And pass on those creamy desserts. Instead, stick to sorbets and fruits. Pass on the bread, rice, potatoes, cookies and cakes. You'll be glad you did when vacation is over. And if your family and friends want to eat like there is not tomorrow, let them. But stick to your guns.

    Stay hydrated! Drink more water than you usually do at home, minimum three quarts a day if you are not exercising. If you are going hiking, playing tennis or anything physical, it's important to drink even more. Also eat hydrating foods for snacks such as fruits or veggies.

    EXERCISE! Walk, both forward and backwards. Stretch, swim and incorporate different possibilities as long as you stay physically active.

    Stillness. Doing nothing is an important part of relaxing and recharging your body, mind and spirit. It's okay if you don't stop at every roadside attraction. Try swinging from every tree or saying hello to every friend and family member. Relax! You'll find yourself more peaceful, happier and a lot healthier than the rest of your traveling partners.

    Get touched. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, scalp massage or foot reflexology. And if you are with a partner, give each other a massage. This will really enhance your travel. When I travel to China to study, I always get an hour foot massage as soon as I get there and another one before leaving. This keeps me healthy, relaxed and puts a smile on my face.

    Program your mind on how you want to look. This may sound a little strange, but it really works. I program my food by telling it where I want it to go and what I want it to do. For example, I say to myself as I am about to eat, "I want this meal to strengthen my muscles and give me more energy" or "By eating this food, I will lose weight."

When you follow these seven easy tips during your vacation, it will really become a real vacation. You will return home in better shape, with less of a belly, well rested, more energy and ready to go full force. We all know what it's like to return from a vacation and then need another soon after.

But because I always incorporate these seven tips, I come back with more energy than before I left - feeling great - ready to get back to work seeing patients.

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